Thursday, July 28, 2022
Start: campsite by the creek in Stubblefield Canyon
End: Glen Aulin camp
Miles: 31.5
Elevation gain/loss: 6867’/6955′
I was awake at 5:30 and on trail by 6am. Early on, I climbed over Seavey Pass and Benson Pass today, with a lot of steep and very rocky climbing and descending which slowed me down. The steep rocky nature of the trail reminded me of the AT in places, with heavy sweating to match. I knew I wouldn’t make Tuolumne Meadows today, so I took a few more breaks than I usually would. In the past few days, my skin has started breaking down around my hips and shoulders with the weight of the bear canister, and so that has been an ongoing issue to manage (though my feet are very happy). I arrived at camp at 8pm.
I’ve started running into more weekend/casual hikers, which isn’t something I’m used to at this point. While the campground I’m at is nice enough, there are people nearby who started a fire in their fire ring after dark and are loudly talking and laughing at 9:30pm. Some of them wandered around looking for a site, flashing their bright white headlamps into people’s tents. It makes me long for the woods and peace and quiet, and regret camping here.
I only have 6-7 miles left to get to Tuolumne Meadows, so I expect I’ll get there very early, as they first open. Then I’ll have the option to try and hitch towards Lee Vining and Mammoth Lakes, rather than wait for the 4:20pm bus.
Transcending Mountains 